Convertible skeleton door

Abstract

A vehicle door assembly includes a door housing configured for covering a vehicle access opening. An intrusion beam is within the door housing. A module is received on the intrusion beam and removable from the door housing. A module hinge assembly is attachable to the module. A module latch assembly is attachable to the module for securing the module to extend across the vehicle access opening.

What is claimed is: 
     
       1. A modular vehicle door assembly comprising:
 a door housing including a hinge assembly and a latch assembly, the latch assembly configured to selectively secure the door housing in a closed position; 
 a side impact intrusion beam disposed within the door housing; 
 a module including a first bracket supported directly on the intrusion beam, the module being removable from the door housing; 
 a module hinge assembly attachable to the module once the module is removed from the door housing, wherein the module hinge assembly is configured to secure the module to a vehicle upon removal of the module from the door housing; and 
 a module latch assembly attachable to the module for securing the module in a closed position. 
 
     
     
       2. The modular vehicle door assembly as recited in  claim 1 , further including a second bracket and door bars attached to the first bracket and the second bracket. 
     
     
       3. The modular vehicle door assembly as recited in  claim 2 , wherein each of the door bars comprises tubular structures with a first end attached to the first bracket and a second end attached to the second bracket. 
     
     
       4. The modular vehicle door assembly as recited in  claim 2 , wherein the intrusion beam includes a channel and the first bracket includes a tab that slides within the channel to secure the module within the door housing. 
     
     
       5. The modular vehicle door assembly as recited in  claim 4 , including a door glass assembly supported within the door housing and during removal of the module from the door housing, the module is supported on the intrusion beam and the module is spaced apart from the door glass assembly.